PHL to host AFC Awards next year

MANILA, Philippines – Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain, the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), on Thursday announced the Philippines' hosting of next year's AFC Awards Night in November 2014.

An annual gathering of the year's top achievers and football celebrities, the event will coincide with the 60th anniversary celebrations of the AFC and place the spotlight on the organization's birthplace.

"The AFC was founded in Manila in 1954 so it will be a great celebration for us to get back to where we started," Al Khalifa said during a press conference for his Phl visit yesterday in Makati, where he also pledged help in relief efforts in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

In line with the event that is expected to be attended by 500 people, the AFC has tapped Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta to chair the organizing committee.

Araneta said in addition to the honorees and officials from the  47 member associations of the AFC, they will invite International Football Federation president Sepp Blatter and executives of continental confederations to the event, which will be funded by the AFC. They are also planning an exhibition match featuring all star sides in the leadup to the awards rites.

"It's a great honor, not just for football but for the Phl as a country, to host such a prestigious big, event wherein a lot of celebrities, well-known personalities in football will be here to gather for this awards night," said Araneta.

Considered for the venue are Makati Shangri-la, Sofitel and Manila Peninsula.

The PFF, he added, will be involving the Department of Tourism "so we can showcase the best Fil talent and show the world that it's more fun in the Phl."

The visiting Bahraini Shaikh, also offered his sincere condolences to victims of Yolanda in the Visayas region in the country and pledged an undisclosed amount from the AFC.

 "We talked on how we can provide support for relief efforts following the typhoons that struck Phl. We're talking to sponsors, as well as member associations throughout Asia, on how we can help," he said.